Tūhono Model of Mediation - a tikanga-based approach
E kore e taea e te whenu kotahi ki te raranga i te whariki kia mohio tatou ki a tatou.
Ma te mahi tahi o nga whenu, ma te mahi tahi o nga kairaranga, ka oti tenei whariki.
I te otinga me titiro tatou ki nga mea pai ka puta mai.
A tana wa, me titiro hoki ki nga raranga i makere na te mea, he korero ano kei reira.
The tapestry of understanding cannot be woven by one strand alone.
Only by the working together of strands and the working together of weavers will such a tapestry be completed.
With its completion let us look at the good that comes from it.
In time we should also look at those stitches which have been dropped, because they also have a message.
Tūhono Mediation Process
Tūhono is a kaupapa Māori model of dispute resolution inspired by traditional Māori narratives and dispute resolution methodologies.
Tūhono seeks to establish unique pathways for resolving disputes using Māori beliefs, principles, values and practices that derive from traditional knowledge (mātauranga Māori).
The Tūhono model of mediation comprises five distinct pathways for resolving conflict:
- Te Ara Tūhono: this phase allows parties to agree on ground rules and protocols as to how the mediation process will proceed.
- Te Ara a Ruaumoko: this phase allows parties to discover the conflict situation from varying perspectives and ensure parties feel they are heard.
- Te Ara a Tangaroa: this phase allows parties to explore the underlying issues that give rise to the conflict situation.
- Te Ara a Tāne: this phase allows parties to explore ways to resolve the conflict situation.
- Te Ara a Rongo: this phase allows the mediation process to conclude in a peaceful way.
Nga Uara o Nga Tikanga: values underpinning tikanga
- Whanaungatanga: primarily this denotes the relationships between people bonded by blood, and the rights and obligations that follow from the individuals place in the collective group.
- Mana: encompasses political power, as well as authority, control, influence and prestige.
- Tapu: seen as part of a code for social conduct based upon keeping safe and avoiding risk, as well as protecting the sanctity of revered persons and traditional values.
- Utu: relates to the concept of reciprocity in order to maintain relationships between people.
- Kaitiakitanga: relates to the notion of stewardship and protection, often used in relation to natural resources